I own a freehold property in Berkshire but nevertheless invoiced for rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Berkshire and has limited impact for conveyancing in Berkshire but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of new rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence in 2037 is to be extinguished.

My friend suggested that where I am buying in Berkshire I should carry out a Neighbourhood, Planning and Local Amenity Search. What does it cover?

This is a search is occasionally included in the estimate for your Berkshire conveyancing searches. It is a large report of about 40 pages, listing and detailing important information about Berkshire around the property and the people living there. It incorporates an Aerial Photograph, Planning Applications, Land Use, Mobile Phone Masts, Rights of Way, the Berkshire Housing Market, Council Tax Banding, the demographics of People living in the area, the dominant type of Housing, the Average House Prices, Crime details, Berkshire Education with plans and statistics, Local Amenities and other useful data about Berkshire.

My wife and I own a terraced Edwardian property in Berkshire. Conveyancing practitioner acted for me and Nationwide Building Society. I happened to do a free search for it on the Land Registry database and I saw a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold under the matching address. If a house is not a freehold shouldn't I have been informed?

You should assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Berkshire and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they mortgage they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with purchasers. You can also enquire as to the situation with your conveyancing practitioner who conducted the work.

I need to retain a conveyancing solicitor for leasehold conveyancing in Berkshire. I have stumble upon a web site which looks to be the ideal solution If there is a chance to get all formalities done via email that would be preferable. Should I be concerned? What should out be looking out for?

As usual with these online conveyancers you need to read ALL the small print - did you notice the extra charge for dealing with the mortgage?

Whilst your website is a good idea there are many lawyers listed near Berkshire being on the bank conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the conveyancing panel for our mortgage company?

We do not recommend specific Berkshire firms as the right Berkshire conveyancing firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with Berkshire knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. Before you appoint your lawyer we advise you to speak to two or three of the the firms listed to gain comfort as to which one is right for you..